Research shows that treating hearing loss reduces the risk of dementia and reinforces the importance of brain stimulation through hearing
A study published in the journal The Lancet Public Health led to an important discovery: people with untreated hearing loss have a 42% greater risk of developing dementia between the ages of 40 and 69. The good news is that using hearing aids can reverse this situation, significantly reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
What the study found
The research analyzed the data of 438 thousand people from British Biobankone of the largest healthcare databases in the world. Among the participants, about 25% had some degree of hearing loss, but only 12% used hearing aids.
The results were clear: those who had hearing loss but did not use hearing aids were 42% more likely to develop dementia, while those who had treated the condition showed no increased risk. In other words, taking care of your hearing is also a way to protect your brain.
How hearing loss affects the brain
When hearing is impaired, the brain stops receiving sound stimuli and this directly affects areas related to memory, language and learning. Essentially, the moment we hear something, the sound is converted into an electrical stimulus and passes through neural pathways until it reaches the brain region where it is translated into information.
This is the same region responsible for memory, balance and communication and needs stimulation. Over time, this “lack of exercise” of the brain can lead to neuronal atrophy, facilitating the onset of dementia and cognitive diseases.
The emotional impact of hearing loss
In addition to neurological damage, hearing loss affects your social and emotional life. People who have difficulty hearing tend to isolate themselves, which increases the risk of depression and anxiety. This isolation reduces mental stimulation and further contributes to cognitive decline. The cycle, however, can be stopped with early diagnosis and proper treatment.
While the use of hearing aids is essential, complete rehabilitation involves a number of steps, including clinical audiometry, individualized fitting and ongoing monitoring. In other words, listening well also means exercising the brain and every sound stimulus helps keep cognitive functions active and protected.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
